Most
parents want the best for their children and will work hard to make sure their
progeny have the best of everything. But,
with time, knowingly or unknowingly, parents may get careless in the care of
their children.

I’ve
watched with disbelief during the early morning rush hour as primary school children
are left to cross busy roads alone. I’ve held my breath many a time as a lone
child dangerously crosses a busy street risking instant death. Most of the kids
I see are not trained to cross the road. Where are the parents? I always
wonder.

I’ve witnessed
parents who allow their child to stand at the back of a moving open truck,
holding on to the rails- for the child’s thrill. And then some parents drive
while a child is sitting or standing on the front seat. Some will allow their little
ones to stick their heads out of the window of a moving vehicle. What these parents don’t realise is that in
case of an emergency, a sudden stop, or an accident, the child, not strapped to
a seatbelt, risks serious injury or even death. This is careless parenting.
Children should be buckled at the back seat. The back of a moving open bakkie is not a place for a child to be.

Some
road safety expects claim that that wearing a
seat-belt reduces the risk of death among front-seat passengers by 40%–65% and 25%–75% for rear-seat passengers.

Some
parents let young children travel alone to and from school in minibus taxi. In recent years there has
been a criminal element that has infiltrated the minibus taxi industry in
the area where I live. A child, travelling alone, is not safe. Reports of minors being molested in these
vehicles have surfaced. For their safety young children should never travel unaccompanied
by an adult.

It is
common for parents to allow their children to ride bicycles without wearing
helmets. If a child cycles to school or for leisure a helmet is a must for protection against head injuries that may come as result of an accident or a
fall. Children who cycle to school should be well trained on basic road rules
and must use bicycle lanes.

I’ll
never forget my visit to a local hospital’s ward for young burn victims. It was
unbearable to see the pain and anguish on the children’s faces. Careful parents
will plan ahead to prevent such unfortunate incidents from occurring. For
example, the geyser water temperature should be set at about 40 C. Parents
should never hold a baby while cooking. Babies should be kept out of the kitchen and
cooking food should never be left unattended.

Children
can pull tablecloths and get burnt in the process. All tablecloths should be
out of reach of young kids. When cooking on a stove use the back plates and
turn pot handles away from a child’s grasp. Little children should not be left
unattended in the bathroom.

Another
mistake parents make is the employing of unqualified nannies. One would expect
responsible parents to engage someone who is old enough to be a parent. Surprisingly,
some parents are comfortable to leave their young children in the care of
teenage nannies who know zero about child care. The idea being to pay the young
nanny as little as possible- valuing money more than the proper care of their
child. When parents leave a child with a
nanny they are in effect delegating their parenting role. Unqualified nannies
place the child’s safety and welfare into jeopardy. Whenever possible a background
check should be done before employing
someone to take care of a child.

Caring
parents should use their imagination to answer the question “What could go
wrong?” and take precautions. Your child is the most precious thing in your
life. Treat him or her with great care.

Do you have any safety tips for parents?

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